Drought intensifies across the eastern US

A severe drought has expanded from the Ohio Valley to the South, impacting more than a dozen states and prompting emergency declarations in some areas.

Ian Livingston reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• The eastern U.S. is experiencing a "flash" drought due to record heat and lack of rain, affecting more than a dozen states from Ohio to Georgia.
• Severe drought conditions have prompted a state of emergency in West Virginia and disaster relief loans from the USDA for affected regions.
• The National Weather Service forecasts above-average rainfall in August, which could ease drought conditions in some areas.

Key quote:

It's "probably one of the driest years I've seen."

— Owner of Higson’s Farm in Wiley Ford, West Virginia

Why this matters:

Prolonged drought conditions threaten agriculture, water supply and increase the risk of wildfires in affected regions. Anticipated rainfall could provide relief, but significant precipitation is needed to mitigate ongoing drought impacts.